Red Haw, Downy hawthorn

Crataegus mollis

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: crataegus

Plant ID (slug): crataegus-mollis

Numeric ID: 20639

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Crataegus mollis is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Midges. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Eastern and Central N. America - Ontario to Alabama, west to Oklahoma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[22, 46, 62, 101, 183]. Sub-acid, dry and mealy[82, 227]. The fruit is also used for making jellies and preserves[61, 95, 183]. Fairly large, it is about 20 - 25mm in diameter[200], with a thick flesh[229]. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed[K]. A tea-like beverage can be made from the twigs[257].

Medicinal Uses

Cardiotonic Hypotensive Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the fruits and flowers of many hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use. The fruits and flowers have a hypotensive effect as well as acting as a direct and mild heart tonic[222]. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure[222]. Prolonged use is necessary for it to be efficacious[222]. It is normally used either as a tea or a tincture[222].